Ok, rather than send my other thread in a different direction, I will ask here. I want to check for play in my driveline (specifically the rear differential) If I jack the rear end up with the wheels off the ground, about how much play should I have in the driveshaft before the wheels turn? Also, how can I identify which differential and gear ration I have. Car is a 1983 300D.

Thanks,

Glenn.

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2012 Mercedes ML350 Bluetec 91K (hers)
2005 Corvette 55K (fun car)
2002 VW Jetta TDI 231K (mine)
1998 Volvo S70 T5 Turbo 196K (kids)
1994 Ford F150 4WD 249K (firewood hauler)
1983 Mercedes 300D 376K (diesel commuter)

Pinion/ring gear backlash is normally measured with a dial indicator on the ring gear, not by measuring driveshaft rotation.

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Correct. The driveshaft slop includes ring and pinion, spider gears, and axle shaft splines. The ring and pinion can be in spec and still see several degrees of movement.

As for ratio, with one wheel off the ground turn the wheel until the driveshaft makes one revolution. So 2.75 wheel turns per driveshaft revolution gives you that ratio for example.

The ratio is stamped on the housing back by the cover.